All tyres have coded readings on their sidewalls, your tyre must have one too. Usually, most car owners have no idea what it means, even though most of it is fairly easy to understand. You will have a better understanding of your tyres and have much more data in your hands if you know what the marking means.
Suppose your Hankook Tyres Burton on Trent has the following reading – “P215/65/R15/95H”. Along with this, the name of the manufacturer, logo, inflation pressure, directional arrows, approval rating, and other crucial details are provided in the reading. But first, let us understand what is the meaning of “215/65 R15”
215 – Width
The number indicates the maximum width of a tyre (it is the distance between the sidewalls). The manufacturer decides on the standard width according to the vehicle in question. The width of a tyre plays a crucial role in the consumption of fuel, traction, and suitable handling of the vehicle. Therefore, you should lend proper thought to this feature while buying Hankook tyres Burton on Trent.
65-Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the ratio between the width of a tyre and its cross-sectional height. To help you comprehend this better, 65 indicates that the height of the tyre’s cross-section is 65% of its width. As the aspect ratio increases, the height of the sidewall of a tyre also increases. This ratio can go as high as 95% – this is present in the tyres of heavy vehicles.
You can enjoy a more comfortable ride with a higher aspect ratio, the handling gets compromised. This is why the tyres of high-performance have a low aspect ratio is. As a result, it jeopardizes riding comfort. The manufacturers are working hard to achieve the perfect balance between comfort and handling.
R – Construction
Here, the letter R means tyre construction. In the given example, R is for Radial. If your tyre has the letter B, it means a bias-ply tyre is attached to your vehicle. The construction of a tyre shines a light on its specific characteristics.
15 – Diameter Of The Wheel
The number 15 implies the wheel’s diameter. The OD of the alloy/rim with which the tyre will be wrapped around is indicate by this number. This number indicates the rim size’s dimension on which the choice of a tyre is dependent. This is why it is considered to be one of the most important numbers.
P – Application
This letter gives you the application for the tyre. Here, the passenger is indicated by P. Similarly, LT will denote a heavier load rating light truck; the list continues.
95 – Load Index
This number indicates the maximum capacity of a tyre to carry a load. High-profile tyres have more load ratings than low-profile ones. Load rating should have the correct fitting; if not, it will compromise your safety and result in accidents. The number provided is just an index. You should check with the subsequent weights given in the tabloids of the manufacturer. Here, 95 implies your tyres can carry a maximum load of 690kgs.
H – Speed Rating
Speed rating indicates the highest speed that a tyre can maintain. It denotes the maximum speed you can attain without having a tyre failure. Tyres of passenger cars have a particular speed rating; light trucks have none. Before riding the car to its limits, be aware of the corresponding speed to the speed rating to avoid any unforeseen accidents.
Directional Arrows –
Directional arrows come in handy when you have the task of fitting a unidirectional tyre. ‘In/out’ is mentioned in asymmetrical tyres as it requires to be attached with a larger tread for proper functioning.
Date Of Manufacturing –
The month and year of production are also given in some tyres. A tyre slowly loses its quality because the rubber deterioration occurs with time.
Inflation Pressure (In PSI) –
Inflation pressure is the amount of pressure that needs to be retained by the tyre. It has a significant effect on the performance of a tyre. Therefore, vigorous care should be taken to obtain fuel economy, optimal performance, wear and tear and increas tyre lifespan.
Temperature Indicator –
It denotes the highest and the lowest range of temperature a tyre can withstand. Your tyre should not exceed this temperature range.
Approval Signature –
The signature shows the tyres have gotten the signal of approval from the authorities. When you see this signature in your tyre, it implies it has cleared all inspections and is on par with the stipulated regulations.
You can maintain your tyres better by following three simple steps – inflate, rotate, and evaluate. Tyres lose air pressure of 1 PSI(pound per square inch) each month. So, check the tyre pressure at least once a month, preferably in the morning.
If you are not confident in your tyre-checking ability, get a professional to check it.
Rotating your tyres every 5000 miles can have many added perks – it prolongs the lifespan of Tyres Burton on Trent, the tyres wear smoother and no uneven wear occurs. Try to cultivate the habit of checking for signs of damage and tread wear whenever you fill up your gas or wash your car. Keep an eye out for cracking, tears, bulging, or uneven wear.
